Render decisions with sense of urgency – Pres. Ali charges 6 new Puisne Judges

Guyana’s judiciary has been further strengthened with six additional Puisne Judges – a move that President Dr Irfaan Ali says is a direct response to addressing challenges within the justice system, especially the backlog of cases.

The six new Judges appointed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) are Registrar of the Supreme Court Sueanna Lovell; Registrar of Deeds Azeena Baksh; Commissioner of Title Renita Camille Singh; Commissioner of Title Christel Lambert-Meertins; Magistrate Sunil Scarce; and Attorney-at-law Mandisa Breedy.

They took their oath of office on Wednesday before President Dr Irfaan Ali, who explained that these appointments reflect efforts to enhance the capacity of the judiciary to meet the demands of the country.

According to the Guyanese leader, “The executive branch has fulfilled its constitutional duty in facilitating these appointments, recognising that a well-resourced judiciary is indispensable to the rule of law.”

However, the President noted that while the Government provided the mechanism for these appointments, it does not direct the exercise of judicial functions. This responsibility, he stated, rests solely with the judicial officers, who ought to act as impartial guardians of the rights of ordinary citizens.
“You have now entered an office of solemn responsibility. The authority you wield is not your own. It is derived from the Constitution. You are now arbiters of right and wrong, guardians of fundamental freedoms, and interpreters of the law,” Ali posited.

These appointments come at a time when the judiciary of Guyana has been building its capacity to not only meet the needs of the local court system but also to address the backlog of cases.

While Guyana has significantly reduced the number of pending cases in the courts, President Ali charged the six newly appointed Judges with their responsibility in ensuring timely justice for a public that is weary of delays.

“Litigants are frustrated by years of waiting, and the credibility of the justice system is strained by the perception that justice is available only to those who can afford to wait. This is not a criticism of the judiciary but a recognition of the challenges that have accumulated over time. The addition of six new Judges is a direct response to these challenges,” he posited.

But according to the Head of State, the mere presence of additional judicial officers would not cure this situation. He added that how these new Judges apply their time and resources will determine whether this situation improves.

“I need not remind anyone here that the right to a fair hearing includes the right to a hearing within a reasonable time. Undue delays in the disposition of proceedings can itself constitute a denial of justice. I therefore encourage you to approach your docket with a sense of urgency. Backlogs will not vanish overnight, but every case you dispose of is a citizen who receives closure. Every judgement you deliver promptly restores confidence in the system. The public deserves satisfaction that their cause has been heard and their case has been determined in a timely manner,” he added.

The Guyanese leader further reminded the newly sworn-in Judges that their actions and decisions would have a far-reaching impact beyond the courtrooms.

“Your Honours, you now stand at the threshold of a noble calling. I remind you of the high calling you have accepted. When you ascend to the bench, remember that your decisions will echo through the lives of litigants, their families, and their communities. Render them with courage, clarity, and compassion, and render them with expedition. The people have waited. The delays must be curtailed, and the promise of timely justice must be fulfilled.”

These six new judicial officers will complement the ten puisne Judges appointed to the High Court back in June 2024. Also, during that year, three commissioners of title to the land court were appointed.
Moreover, just last year, Guyana made history by appointing seven new Judges to the Court of Appeal to strengthen its justice administration.